With this beautiful Solemnity of Christ the King, we bring our liturgical year to a close. However, today’s feast transforms our image of Christ the King—what makes him “kingly.” Rather than calling up images of Jesus Christ dressed in royal purple, the Gospel proclaims it is the sign over his head on the throne of the wood of the cross— Jesus Nazarenus Rex Judaeorum—Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews. May our prayer be that of the good thief on the cross: “Jesus remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

The beautiful season of Advent begins next Sunday! A whole brand new Church year! Undoubtedly, all of us will be involved in all the busyness of Christmas shopping, decorating and office parties. While these events help to bring in the Christmas spirit, our liturgy helps us understand that the best way to prepare for Christ’s coming is by interior preparation of our hearts. That means prayer, reflection and giving of ourselves and our resources to those most in need. I invite all of us to take part once again in our “Angel Giving Tree.” Please take an ornament off of the giving tree you’ll find in the back of the Serra Center, beginning next weekend. Thank you for helping to make Christmas a little brighter for others.

Another important way to prepare for Christmas is the Sacrament of Reconciliation. When was the last time you made a good Confession? God loves the world enough to send Jesus, the only begotten Son, for our salvation. God created us in love and continues to love us always. Whenever we sin, God does not simply wait for us to repent. God anxiously seeks us out, yearning for our friendship, longing to forgive. Please join our parish family on December 17th for the celebration of God’s mercy in the Sacrament of Reconciliation Liturgy. Please see page #5 for more details.

Remember, this Thursday is our Bilingual Thanksgiving Day Mass at 10:00 a.m. in the Serra Center. You are invited to bring to the altar of the Lord canned goods and other nonperishable foods for distribution to the poor and hungry through our Social Outreach Ministry. Thank you for your kindness and generosity.

May you all enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving and weekend, and may we, as a Parish family, reflect a spirit of gratitude and joy to all we encounter!

Love, Fr. Vince